Everything you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest 2024

Love it or hate it, the Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most-watched events across the world, as music lovers come together to celebrate song writing, and all round cheesy and let's face it, bonkers performances!

Now that the 68th ceremony is over, here's your ultimate guide to the 2024 contest, including the date, who represented the UK, and of course, the final standings.

When was the Eurovision Song Contest?

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final took place on Saturday 11th May.

The two Semi Finals took place on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th May.

Who won Eurovision 2024?

Singer Nemo was crowned the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest winner during the Grand Final, representing Switzerland with a track called 'The Code'.

With the jury and public vote combined, Switzerland won the contest with 591 points.

Croatia, who were favourites to win, finished in second place, whilst Ukraine were in third place.

How many points did the UK get at Eurovision?

As well as picking up just 46 points from the juries, Olly Alexander failed to get any points from the public vote, meaning the UK finished in 18th place.

Despite Olly's disappointment, he did take to social media to congratulate Nemo, writing: '“Nemo!!! You did it!! I’m so proud of you, it’s ben such an honour to be on this journey with you. You broke the code!!!'. (sic)

Where was the Eurovision Song Contest 2024?

Thanks to Loreen winning Eurovision 2023 with her track 'Tattoo', Sweden hosted this year's contest. The event took place at the Malmö Arena in Malmö.

By pure coincidence, 2024 actually marked a huge 50 years since Swedish music legends ABBA won Eurovision with their track 'Waterloo'. The band, made up of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad, won the contest in 1974, which was just the start of their incredible career.

How can I watch the Eurovision Song Contest?

Both Semi Finals and the Grand Final are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

How long is Eurovision on for?

Strap in and get your food and drink supplies ordered, because the Eurovision Song Contest is a mammoth ordeal, lasting a huge four hours!

What was the 2024 Eurovision running order?

The night kicked off with home country Sweden, and finished 25 songs later with Austria.

Just hours before the ceremony started it was announced that The Netherlands had been disqualified following a backstage incident.

Why were Netherlands disqualified?

Dutch contestant Joost Klein was disqualified from the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest following a 'backstage incident' which led to an allegation of intimidation being made to Swedish police.

Dutch broadcaster Avrotros, said of the disqualification: "Against clearly made agreements, Joost was filmed when he had just gotten off stage and had to rush to the greenroom. At that moment, Joost repeatedly indicated that he did not want to be filmed. This wasn't respected.

"This led to a threatening movement from Joost towards the camera. Joost did not touch the camerawoman."

Who represented the UK?

Singer and actor Olly Alexander proudly represented the UK at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Olly, who was previously the lead singer of Years & Years, performed his amazing single 'Dizzy'.

Check out Olly Alexander's 'Dizzy' music video below:

News of Olly's involvement in this year's Eurovision was announced during the Strictly Come Dancing final in December 2023.

Speaking of the news, Olly said: "I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year. As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour.

"I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour! I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it feels like the right moment to start releasing music under my own name. I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got and put on an excellent and unforgettable performance for you all!”

Which countries took part?

37 countries took part in this year's Eurovision, with 31 countries competing in the Semi-Finals.

France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom automatically get a place in the Final as they are known as the 'big five'. Host country Sweden also got an automatic place in the Final.

Check out all 37 Eurovision 2024 songs below:

10 countries from each Semi- Final qualified for the final, following a public vote.

Semi-Final one performers:

Australia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Portugal, Poland, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine competed in the first Semi-Final on Tuesday 7th May.

Ireland were successful in getting through to the final for the first time in six years. Along with Ireland were, Croatia, Cyprus, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia and Ukraine.

Semi-Final two performers:

Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland competed in the second Semi-Final on Thursday 9th May.

10 countries got through to the grand final, they were: Latvia, Austria, Netherlands, Norway, Israel, Greece, Estonia, Switzerland, Georgia and Armenia.

Who hosted this year?

Petra Mede and Malin Åkerman hosted this year's Eurovision in Sweden.

Petra told Eurovision.tv: "Imagine getting the chance to host Eurovision once again! It's such an incredible honor. After first hosting it alone and then together with the delightful Måns Zelmerlöw by my side, I am now really looking forward to working with Malin. We don't know each other from before, but we have met a couple of times now, and I'm already completely sold. It's going to be a joy to work with her!"

Scott Mills, Rylan Clark and Richie Anderson were on on the two Semi-Finals.

As always, Graham Norton provided commentary for the UK during the Grand-Final.

When did Eurovision first start?

Eurovision first started way back in 1956, with the first ever contest taking place in Lugano, Switzerland. Taking place on 24th May 1956, the contest was held at the Teatro Kursaal, and was inspired by the Italian Sanremo Festival.

It was a lot different back then though, the contest lasted less than two hours, and only seven countries took part with two entrants each!

Lys Assia from Switzerland was crowned the first ever winner with her song 'Refrain'.

Who has won Eurovision the most?

In a fact which may left you in shock, Ireland have actually won the Eurovision Song Contest the most, along with Sweden. The countries have seven victories each.

UK, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands have all won Eurovision five times.

Check out the most-watched Eurovision performances:

How to listen to Forth 1:

For great music and incredible competitions tune into Forth 1 on 97.3, DAB, online, on the Rayo app, or say ‘Play FORTH 1’ to your Smart Speaker. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years. From Boogie In The Morning, to Garry and Steven getting you home after work, we play you the biggest hits from the world's hottest artists.

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